Dukan diet promises royal results

April 22, 2011 (WPVI) -- It's a popular European diet that has been linked to the most popular British bride-to-be. The plan promises dramatic results, and is available here in the United States.

It's called the Dukan Diet.

The latest diet craze is rumored to be how Kate Middleton and her mum are slimming down for next week's royal wedding.

We wanted to see what all the hype was all about.

Dieters have tried it all, from gobbling up bun-less burgers to drop pounds on Atkins to slimming down South Beach style.

Meet Dr. Dukan.

"Finally found a way to shed those pounds quickly and sort of maintain as long as I stick with it," says Bonnie Young.

65-year old Bonnie Young sure is a Dukan believer. She stumbled upon the diet plan while vacationing in Paris last year.

"In the first two days, I lost three pounds!" said Bonnie.

And overall, she shed 10 in less than two months following the Dukan plan.

Here's how you follow the diet.

Step 1: Attack! Dieters follow this protein only phase for one to seven days, so think lots of chicken, fish, eggs, and non-fat yogurt.

The other secret: Oat Bran. Dukan requires 1 and a half tablespoons of the oat a day to keep your digestive system on track.

Plus, lots of water, at least six glasses and as much diet soda and coffee you'd like!

You also need to start walking at least 20 minutes a day.

Step 2: Cruise. Continue eating lots of protein, but add any of the 28 Dukan approved vegetables to your diet until you reach your goal weight.

Step 3: Consolidation. You can add a serving of fruit and two slices of whole wheat bread each day. Follow this step until you feel comfortable enough to return to regular eating without over doing it.

Finally Step 4: The stabilization phase which lasts the rest of your life. Eat what you like, but one day each week, eat only pure protein just like in Phase one.

But, the protein rich diet isn't exactly scoring winning points with nutritionists because you're eliminating healthy fats and all carbohydrates.

"You are actually burning fat; but it is not in the healthiest way," says Emma Fogt, a Registered Dietitian.

Registered Dietitian Emma Fogt isn't convinced that Doctor Dukan's slim down secret will keep the weight off for good.

"The quicker you lose weight the quicker it will come back on," says Fogt.

Fogt says the diet has lots of rules and restrictions.

But although she doesn't recommend Dukan, Fogt says it could work if you're looking just for a quick fix.

"Sometimes it can be up to two pounds a day. Can you believe that?" Fogt said.

Bonnie says she plans on sticking with Dukan to stay slim.

"Look at those French woman they are divine, you rarely see a fat one," says Bonnie.

Nutritionists also say Dukan comes with other risks, including bad breath from eating all that protein plus dieters may have headaches, be tired and be cranky.

Get more Royal Wedding »

england, london, prince william, kate middleton, royal wedding, alicia vitarelli

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•